This paper explores the development of Ruxin Town on Changzhi Island in Zhoushan, China, as a contemporary application of New Urbanism principles in the context of Chinese new town construction. Since the 21st century, China’s new town development has witnessed remarkable progress, with projects like Liangzhu Cultural Village, Aranya Community in Qinhuangdao, and Luhu Eco-City in Chengdu setting new benchmarks for ideal living environments. Ruxin Town, developed by Greentown Group since 2007, represents a unique case of New Urbanism adapted to a coastal island setting, integrating local characteristics and contemporary urban development trends.Spanning 3 314 acres with a planned population of 35 000, Ruxin Town features a diverse mix of residential, commercial, educational, and recreational facilities. Its development reflects broader trends in China, such as housing commercialization and suburbanization, as well as regional strategies like the “Small Islands Relocation, Large Islands Construction” policy and the establishment of the Zhoushan Archipelago New Area. Driven by a vision of creating an ideal living environment, the project has evolved through various conceptual phases, including proposals for an international retirement town, a life-oriented town, and an education-focused town. The development of Ruxin Town faced significant challenges, including integrating the town's design with the local urban fabric and topography, fostering economic vitality without a pre-existing industrial base, and managing social integration among diverse communities. Drawing inspiration from New Urbanism principles, the development team adopted strategies such as mixed-use development, compact urban forms, and pedestrian-friendly designs to address these challenges. For example, Ruxin Town's spatial planning emphasizes local geographical features, with a central hub and a network of walkable streets creating a compact and connected urban environment. The town's commercial, educational, and tourism facilities were developed to support local economic sustainability, reducing dependency on the main urban center. Community building has been a key focus, with shared governance and public participation fostering a sense of belonging. Collaborative planning and social conventions, supported by digital technologies, have further strengthened community cohesion. However, Ruxin Town's implementation of New Urbanism has required adaptations to fit the Chinese context. For instance, the town features gated communities rather than fully open urban spaces, and its architectural style blends contemporary and traditional elements. Additionally, the town’s relatively high housing prices have limited accessibility for lower-income groups, highlighting the need for further adjustments to achieve the New Urbanist ideal of diverse and inclusive communities. In conclusion, Ruxin Town serves as a valuable case study for the application of New Urbanism in China, demonstrating both the potential and the challenges of adapting western urban theories to local conditions. The town’s development offers insights into sustainable urban planning, community building, and economicvitality, providing a reference for future urban projects in China and beyond. However, further exploration of New Urbanism’s broader principles, such as ecological preservation and regional connectivity, is necessary to fully realize its potential in the Chinese context.